I have received a great Christmas gift. It is bigger than any box and more priceless than anything that can be bought. It is given to be by many and will be treasured for as long as I live.

My husband and I have been married for a little over six short years. During that time we have made seven small and very large moves, had two babies, and done a lot of traveling. He was in the Navy so that we were often separated from each other for long periods of time and almost always far from our families. It was very difficult at times, but on the other hand, we have made some very good friendships along the way and my husband, Bret, and I have developed a very strong and trusting relationship.

Bret took a job with Delta almost two years ago and we moved to Tyrone in May. I am faltering at finding words for what a wonderful move it has been. God was looking after us when he put us in the neighborhood that He did. We have been so blessed.

Never have we felt so welcomed and loved and comfortable as we did as soon as we moved in. I get teary-eyed thinking of all the kind and hospitable gestures we have received from our new neighbors, community, and now cherished friends. We were welcomed with a warm casserole while we were unpacking boxes and cookies while we were still unpacking boxes. We felt like the guests-of-honor at the summer cul-de-sac party.

We have made very dear friends with another family with children about the same ages as our own. We felt once again honored to be invited to a progressive dinner party held on the block up from our own. Since that party we feel as though we have lived here for 20 years. They are all so fun and warm.

I have gotten to go to two different Bunko games and meet some more fun and sweet women. I already have walking partners and friends for my kids. A man we had met a few doors down from us offered to let us borrow his truck if we needed, only a few minutes after we had met him!

The appreciation does not end there. I love my little post office and the nice people that work there. I love the park and tennis courts and the little lake the kids and I walk around and feed the ducks at. I love the friendly conversations between strangers and myself. I love the First Presbyterian Church in Peachtree City and the preschool my daughter attends there. I love her teachers and classmates and other moms that I have met there. I love my son's speech therapist who visits us twice a week.

One hot day, I was getting my kids out of the car at the grocery store. A woman, who had just loaded her groceries and kids in her car, noticed I needed her two-seated cart. She not only brought it to me, but proceeded to very lovingly lift one of my kiddos into the seat and strap him in while I took care of the other. I guess it is kind of sad I am astonished at such sweet and kindly gestures, but to me they are unusual from my past experiences elsewhere.

I pray I will always appreciate and not get used to these experiences. I believe we moved to a very special place. Thank you to all of you who touched my family and me. Words cannot express my gratitude for my very special gift.

Deb Davison
Tyrone

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